Plasma cutter question?

[dragoneggs]

Someone looking for a lower cost, low usage machine probably has no foreseeable plan like me. Just something better than a grinder with a cut off wheel.

And there is the pure pleasure of plasma cutting after years of grinders and abrasive discs. :cool2:

 

[Big Barn]

I've had my Miller 625 for over 10 years and still love it!
Pics were cutting 3/4" , it was over it's rating and very slow but it cut it.
My O/A torch is for heating only now.

I know your pain. I’ve given up trying to cut 3/4” with my Miller 625 Extreme. Anything over 5/8” I use oxy-acetylene. Much quicker.

 

[ovrszd]

Really? I'm looking for a PC as well that matches the OP's needs. For an occasional use machine that can cut 28 gauge, most of the advise is to purchase a pro grade, daily use machine.

There has to be something out there that doesn't cost $$$$. Having a tool that costs what's been advised set gathering dust between small project uses is just plain bad advice.

Every tool I own takes turns gathering dust with the other tools. I don't see any way around that. I also don't see that as a reason to buy the cheapest tool I can.

 

[ovrszd]

I know your pain. I’ve given up trying to cut 3/4” with my Miller 625 Extreme. Anything over 5/8” I use oxy-acetylene. Much quicker.

Not intending to derail but, there's a lot of difference in torches too. I don't remember the specific model numbers but I've got a small Victor and a large Victor. Love them both.

 

[Big Barn]

Really? I'm looking for a PC as well that matches the OP's needs. For an occasional use machine that can cut 28 gauge, most of the advise is to purchase a pro grade, daily use machine.

There has to be something out there that doesn't cost $$$$. Having a tool that costs what's been advised set gathering dust between small project uses is just plain bad advice.

I don’t think anyone here is actually advocating buying any high dollar machine to the OP. They are mostly stating what works for their individual situations.

 

[Big Barn]

Not intending to derail but, there's a lot of difference in torches too. I don't remember the specific model numbers but I've got a small Victor and a large Victor. Love them both.

Easy ‘nuff to fix a perceived derail (prob started by me)

To the OP. Definitely purchase a plasma cutter as opposed to an oxy / fuel torch for cutting your light gauge metal!

 

[Citydude]

Every tool I own takes turns gathering dust with the other tools. I don't see any way around that. I also don't see that as a reason to buy the cheapest tool I can.

Gathering dust was a bad example determining cost factors. You got me there.

Heck, I've got a brand new $1200.00 log splitter I bought 2 years ago that's used to lean my shop broom against. But, it's the best one made that fit my budget! ☺

 

[Citydude]

I don’t think anyone here is actually advocating buying any high dollar machine to the OP. They are mostly stating what works for their individual situations.

I get that and not a thing wrong with it. My opinion is there are times when a person asks for information and is led down a path that only confuses their inquiry.

 

[Al 2]

I've had an Everlast for a long time with no issues although I only use it occasionally. Look up their web site and search around for info. As with many products, they are made in China but to my understanding they try to make a good product at a fair price and not simply bottom line junk. Many people on here have far more knowledge and experience than me and Yomax 4 has a solid review of the Cutmaster 42 that sounds like a good option.
Al

 

[dynasim]

I have an Everlast Plasma, as well. I use it once or twice per month, and it has been flawless. The torch design is critical, and is one of the most important choices you make. I don't have a steady hand, and some of the torches require holding the tip in proximity to the steel with some precision.

I don't have an acetylene torch, and the plasma cutter allows me to do what I need without having to store/rent the bottles. I'd never go back.

 

[dragoneggs]

One of the features of my PC is the ability to drag (touch) the tip along the cutting line and against a straight edge if needed. I don't have the patience or steady enough hand to not drag. Actually one of the key features that convinced me to buy it.

 

[ovrszd]

I get that and not a thing wrong with it. My opinion is there are times when a person asks for information and is led down a path that only confuses their inquiry.

This statement is from the OP's opening statement:

one thing I want is to be able to get the consumables,

would like to be able to cut nicely 3/8" and the first project was to make some item out of sheet metal 24 to 28 gauge.

any advice?

Nothing there calls for infrequent use or buying the cheapest cutter he can find. He expressed concern for the price of good cutters. That's justified. When he made the statement above about his intended use "cheap" went away.

 

[ovrszd]

One of the features of my PC is the ability to drag (touch) the tip along the cutting line and against a straight edge if needed. I don't have the patience or steady enough hand to not drag. Actually one of the key features that convinced me to buy it.

Yep. My Miller operates like that. Someone on here, years ago made this comment "A Plasma Cutter is so accurate it will bobble with your heart beat". Might have been Terry (Big Barn). Very true statement. My freehand cuts aren't pretty!!!! I use a 2" stainless steel flatbar. If it gets a little rough on the edge I smooth it with a polisher wheel. The slightest imperfection in it's edge is reflected in the cut.

 

[Stimw]

Yep. My Miller operates like that. Someone on here, years ago made this comment "A Plasma Cutter is so accurate it will bobble with your heart beat". Might have been Terry (Big Barn). Very true statement. My freehand cuts aren't pretty!!!! I use a 2" stainless steel flatbar. If it gets a little rough on the edge I smooth it with a polisher wheel. The slightest imperfection in it's edge is reflected in the cut.

I use a 2 X 4 for a straight edge with my Miller 625.
It gives the height to keep the torch straight up and down and Plasma cuts so fast that it doesn't burn!
My Plasma will cut Drag or Stand-off.
Where it really works great is cutting expanded metal, just zips through it with no pre-heating, waiting.

 

[dragoneggs]

I use a 2 X 4 for a straight edge with my Miller 625.
It gives the height to keep the torch straight up and down and Plasma cuts so fast that it doesn't burn!
My Plasma will cut Drag or Stand-off.
Where it really works great is cutting expanded metal, just zips through it with no pre-heating, waiting.

Yes, another joy is cutting expanded metal. Makes me smile every time!

 

[kevin37b]

Plasma cutting is good with the name brands . What must be done is keep moisture out of the air supply . Hook your cutter up as far away from the air supply as you can . Put taps in the airline to drain water . As the air cools it separates moisture . Kevin .

 

[Big Barn]

Yep. My Miller operates like that. Someone on here, years ago made this comment "A Plasma Cutter is so accurate it will bobble with your heart beat". Might have been Terry (Big Barn). Very true statement. My freehand cuts aren't pretty!!!! I use a 2" stainless steel flatbar. If it gets a little rough on the edge I smooth it with a polisher wheel. The slightest imperfection in it's edge is reflected in the cut.

Nope. Wasn’t me, but I’ll put that on my list of “Wish I Had Said That!”

 

[BHD]

thanks all, I ordered a thermal Dynamics cutmaster 42, with the SL60, looked like the price and the quality for what I was wanting,
Good discussion, enjoy all the talk, also ordered a sheet metal shear, Hope they both work to my desire to achieve the goals I am after,

the plan is to build some commercial Chicken brooders/grow boxes, for a project my SIL is doing,
the ones at this site are $600+ for Brooder and the grow outs are about $460, Easy Garden Brooder the GQF stacked units are about $1200 for a stacked set of 5 units 54 - Deck Game Bird/Poultry Battery Brooder and these are not exactly what I am wanting, What I am thinking is more like this http://www.hopkinslivestock.com/images/New Peafowl Barn/Barn/Brooders & Growers/Img_0471.jpg


yes I spent a bit of money on tools , but If I purchased the items I want to build run on the low end about $300 each and up to 600+, and currently were considering 20 of them, so $6000 on the low side, and $15,000 on the high side, and thinking of building them more like the high end units, I think they will take less than $75 in materials, (each unit) and possibly less, on the average, there will be a couple of different variants, of the units,

 

[ovrszd]

Congrats on the new cutter!

We expect a full review after some use!!!!

 

[dragoneggs]

BHD, yes congratulations... now the fun begins. Please follow up... pictures always appreciated!